Does Ford Transit have car seat anchors?
Yes, on Ford Transit passenger vans with rear seating; cargo-only Transits do not have built-in car seat anchors.
In more detail, car seat anchors (known as LATCH in the U.S. or ISOFIX in many other markets) are standard on the rear seating positions in most Transit passenger configurations. The exact presence and placement of anchors depend on the model year and the seating layout (second-row vs. third-row seats, captain’s chairs vs. bench seats). The front seat(s) typically do not carry LATCH anchors in most Transits, so child-seat installations are generally done using the seat belt or other approved methods described in the owner’s manual. This article explains where to look in common Transit setups today.
Where car seat anchors appear on a Ford Transit
Before you check the seats, note that anchor placement varies with seat layout. The following outlines common patterns in contemporary Transits.
- Passenger variants with rear seating: Lower anchors (two per seating position) are typically located in the seat bight between the seat cushion and back for second-row seats, and, when equipped, in the third-row seats. Top tether anchors are located on the back of the seat or on the rear surface behind the seat for forward-facing child seats. Look for small ISOFIX/LATCH symbols on the seat.
- Cargo variants (no rear seats): Generally, there are no built-in LATCH anchors in the cargo area. If you plan to transport a child seat, you will usually install it using the seat belt, or consider aftermarket seating options that provide anchor points, in accordance with local regulations and the vehicle’s manual.
- Front seating: In most Transit configurations, the front passenger seat does not carry LATCH anchors. Installations are typically made using the seat belt, and if a front tether anchor exists, follow the manual. Always verify with your manual for your exact vehicle.
Concluding note for this section: Always verify anchors in your exact vehicle, as seat factory options and trims change by year and market. The owner's manual or seat labels will confirm anchor positions and whether your seats are compatible with child restraints.
How to verify anchors in your specific Transit
To locate anchors quickly, inspect the seat bight area for two metal anchors (lower anchors) per seat, and check the back or top of the seatback for a tether anchor symbol. The number and location of anchors depend on whether you have two-row, three-row, or captain’s chair configurations. For the rear seats, consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s official configuration sheets for your model year. If you can’t locate anchors, contact a Ford dealer or a certified Child Passenger Safety technician for assistance.
Summary
In summary, Ford Transit passenger variants do include car seat anchors in the rear seating positions, with location and availability varying by year and exact seating configuration. Cargo-only Transits typically lack built-in anchors. Always refer to the owner’s manual and seat labels to install child restraints correctly and safely, and seek professional guidance if you are unsure.
Do vans have anchor points?
Most van seats are forward folding and quickly removable. All seats come with child restraint anchor points to every seating position.
Does my car have car seat anchors?
Does my vehicle have tether anchors? Vehicles model year 2000 and newer must have tether anchors in at least three backseat positions. In the backseat of vehicles with only one row of seats in the back (sedans, small SUV's, hatchbacks, etc), all three positions in the backseat must have tether anchors.
Why is Ford discontinuing the transit?
Ford is not discontinuing the large Transit van, but it is ending sales of the smaller Transit Connect in North America after the 2023 model year due to decreased demand and a strategic focus on reducing costs and complexity. The Transit Connect will continue to be sold in Europe. Additionally, the specialized Transit Trail package was recently discontinued because of supply chain issues and a lack of demand, though this is separate from the discontinuation of the base Transit Connect in North America.
North America discontinuation (Transit Connect)
- Declining demand: Sales for the compact van segment, including the Transit Connect, have fallen significantly, making it unprofitable for Ford to continue.
- Strategic shift: Ford is prioritizing cost-saving, efficiency, and its electric vehicle (EV) offerings as part of its global restructuring plan.
- Other manufacturers followed suit: Other companies, like Ram with the ProMaster City, have also discontinued their small vans in the U.S.
- Larger Transit remains: The larger Ford Transit van, which is built in the U.S., will continue to be sold.
Transit Trail package discontinuation
- Supply chain issues: Ongoing supply chain challenges and part availability constraints made it difficult to produce the Transit Trail package.
- Prioritizing parts: Ford decided to remove the package for the 2025 model year to prioritize delivering parts and service for vehicles that already have it.
Can a baby go in a transit van?
Yes, we did it. Its difficult either way but in different ways. You definitely want your kid in a legal child seat, most cargo transits have child seat latches and an airbag on/off for the front passenger seat, do what you will with that.
